Sarah Neal

The Department of Social Statistics and Demography at the University of Southampton invites applications for fully funded PhD and MSc+PhD positions through the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership (SCDTP). This opportunity is ideal for prospective researchers passionate about population change, social statistics, and advancing research methods and data for impactful social science research. The department supervises research in areas such as family and social demography, population and global health, migration and demographic modelling, statistical methodology for the social sciences, official statistics, and survey methods. Funding is provided by the Economic and Social Research Council and covers tuition fees and a stipend, with research-in-practice placements included. Applicants can choose from several funding routes: 1+3.5 MSc + PhD, +3.5 PhD only, or +4.5 interdisciplinary route, all with placements. A minimum of 34 studentships are awarded annually across the four partner institutions: University of Southampton, University of Brighton, University of Portsmouth, and University of Chichester. Applicants should have a strong academic background in social sciences, statistics, demography, public health, or related fields. For the 1+3.5 route, a relevant undergraduate degree is required; for the +3.5 and +4.5 routes, a relevant master's degree is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate research potential and a passion for population change and social statistics. Please note that distance learning PhDs are not eligible for this funding. International and UK applicants are welcome. The department is home to world-leading research centres, including the National Centre for Research Methods, Centre for Population Change, and the Statistical Sciences Research Institute. Research topics include fertility forecasting, migration and mobility, health and mortality, small-area estimation, online survey methodology, and population projections. The department’s interdisciplinary approach and advanced quantitative training prepare students to address contemporary economic and social challenges. To apply, review the SCDTP details and research areas, identify a potential supervisor, and prepare your application materials. Submit your application before the deadline of 16 January 2026, 16:00 GMT. For general or distance learning queries, contact Dr Liliana Andriano at [email protected]. Useful links: SCDTP details , Department research areas , Find a supervisor .

The Department of Social Statistics and Demography at the University of Southampton invites applications for fully funded PhD and MSc+PhD studentships through the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership (SCDTP). The department offers supervision across a broad spectrum of demographic research, including family and social demography, population and global health, migration modelling, and advanced statistical methodology applied to social sciences and official statistics. These opportunities are ideal for students interested in pursuing research in demography, global health, and quantitative social science. The SCDTP is a collaboration between the Universities of Southampton, Brighton, Portsmouth, and Chichester, delivering advanced training in research methods and skills for social scientists. Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, the partnership awards a minimum of 34 studentships per year, supporting doctoral and Masters+PhD studies at its four partner institutions. The University of Southampton hosts renowned research centres such as the National Centre for Research Methods and the Centre for Population Change – Connecting Generations, providing a vibrant academic environment for postgraduate research. Available studentships include 1+3.5 MSc+PhD, 3.5-year PhD, and 4.5-year interdisciplinary awards, all featuring a Research-in-Practice placement. The programme emphasizes advanced quantitative training, interdisciplinary approaches, and engagement with ESRC-funded resources. Students benefit from collaboration and knowledge exchange, as well as a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Applicants should have a strong academic background in social sciences, demography, statistics, or related fields. Distance learning applicants are not eligible for funding, but queries about distance learning PhDs can be directed to Dr Liliana Andriano ([email protected]). Prospective candidates are encouraged to review the department website, identify a relevant supervisor, and contact them directly for guidance on the application process. The deadline for applications for the 2026/27 academic year is 16:00 (GMT) on 16th January 2026. For further details, visit the South Coast DTP website or contact the department for more information. This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring social scientists to join a leading research community and develop expertise in demography, global health, and social statistics.